Fluid distribution system



June 22, 1948. D. w. TURNER 2,443,646

FLUID DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM Filed April 19, 1943 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 1%010 klz? 126 lza 4" /24 i V -/3.9 A

1 Y a 33 I29 0/ 22 4 25 26 2/ 32 92 T3 no Foil 7w: FIRM ATTORNEYJ D. W. TURNER.

FLUID DISTRIBUTION SYS'I'EII June 22, 1948.

2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed April 19, 1943 i 1,154,541? Ill EEEs l-E [NI/EN TOR 054553 14 TURNER 25y Mama/175cm Fosrsn fi/Ann/s A T TOHNE Ks Patented June 22, 1948 I FLUID DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM Delber W. Turner, Houston,

Petrolite Corporation, Ltd., Wilmington,

Tex., assignor to Del.,

a corporation of Delaware Application April 1a; 1943, Serial N0. 483,661

4 Claims.

My invention relates to a fluid distribution system for discharging a stream of fluid to one or more tanks under controlled conditions. It finds particular utility in those arts in which it is desired to discharge a stream of liquid into a space, e. g., the interior of a tank, in a carefully controlled manner.

It is often desirable to discharge such a stream while adjustably controlling the amount of fluid discharged, the velocity of the discharged stream, the tlnow of the stream, the size of such stream, the degree of agitation or mixing during discharge, or the degree of circulation induced in the medium in the tank by the incoming stream. It is an object of the invention to provide a novel fluid distribution system in which one or more of such factors can be controlled or adjusted.

The invention is most particularly concerned with liquids, but'such liquids may be of various composition, depending upon the process with which the invention is used. In some instances, the liquid may be homogeneous in the sense of being of uniform composition throughout, e. g., a single-phase system. On the other hand, particular advantages arise from use of the invention in the making and separating of composite or multi-phase streams constituting non-homogeneous systems. For example, the liquid may be a dispersion or emulsion of two relatively immiscible liquids or a suspension of solid particles in a liquid phase, or a suspension or dispersion comprising a liquid phase carrying both liquid or solid dispersoids. All such non-homogeneous systems are herein referred to as dispersions.

It is an object of the invention to provide a novel adjustable distribution system for such dispersions adapted, among other things, to control the mixing action exerted on a stream of the dispersion upon discharge.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a novel mixing sequence including a controlled mixing or agitation step at the point of delivery to the processing tank and which can be accurately controlled by the operator.

It is an object of the present invention to provide for the accurate control of a mixing action to which a stream comprising a dispersion or a non-homogeneous liquid is subjected at the instant of delivery into a tank.

The invention, in its preferred embodiment, comprehends the formation of a usually substantially horizontal sheet-like stream discharging into the tank at a position within a body of liquid therein. The distance which this stream will carry in its movement toward a side wall culation can be established by the discharge or jet action of the incoming stream as, for example, by discharge of the stream in a substantially horizontal direction between vertically-spaced members or substantially vertical discharge between horizontally-spaced members. The injectcr action of the incoming stream can thus be made to recirculate the liquid in the tank through closed circulation paths around each member to aid in the processing and to facilitate separation of a dispersed material, aided, if desired, by association or coalescence of the dispersoid. It is an object of the present invention to provide a control for the discharge means which can be used in varying the circulation paths within the tank.

To obtain these and other desirable efiects, it is desirable to use a distributor providing a discharge opening and a movable discharge controlling member cooperating in defining an orifice through which the liquid discharges, the movable member being biased toward orifice-closing position. It is an object of the present invention to provide a novel torsionmeans for biasing such a movable discharge member and to provide a novel adjustment therefor.

It is a further object of the invention to connect one end of a torsion rod operatively with a discharge controlling member in such manner as to exert a pull on such member as determined by the torsional force in the rod at such end, and to apply a torque to another portion of such rod.

Another object is to provide a conduit means with a variable-area discharge orifice and to change the size of this orifice by twisting a torsion rod extending into a portion of the conduit means.

Still another object of the invention is to extend such a torsion rod to a position outside the tank for application and adjustment of torque.

Another object is to provide for the periodic flushing of the fluid distribution system and for subsequent re-application of the identical biasing force previously applied.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be evident to those skilled in the art from the following description of exemplified embodiments.

Referring to the drawings:

Figure 1 is a diagrammatic view showing the applicability of the invention to the distribution of fluid to a plurality of tanks Figure 2 is a view of one embodiment of the fluid distribution system of the invention,'partially in vertical section and partially in elevation;

Figure 3 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view, taken on the line 3-3 of Figure 2;

Figure 4 is an end view partially in section, taken on the line 44 of Figure 2;

Figure 5 is a sectional view, taken in accordance with the irregular line 5-5 or Figure 4;

Figure 6 is an end view of an alternative trol means of the invention; and

Figure '7 is a side view of the control means of Figure 6, taken as indicated .by the arrow 1.

The invention will be exemplified with reference to the synthesizing and separation 01' dispersions and, more particularly, the forming of a dispersion or emulsion of two liquids and the subsequent separation thereof, aided, if desired, by various treating expedients applied either ahead of or within the tanks.

An embodiment of the invention particularly adapted .to continuous operation is shown in Figure 1. Here, a proportioning pump ill forces a stream of one of the liquids along a pipe I I to a junction 13 where it is met by a stream of the other liquid introduced through a pipe l4 under the action of a proportioning pump i5. By way of example, the liquid flowing through the pipe Il may comprise a mineral oil and the pump l5 may be used to disperse therein a liquid capable of reacting chemically or combining physically with certain undesired constituents in the oil,

eta-

while at the same time being sufilciently immiscible in the oil to form a dispersion. For example, watercan thus be introduced into certain oils to remove materials such as water-soluble acids or other water-soluble materials which can be brought into association with the water bymere mixing or by supplementary processing steps within the tank. The oil and water, in the exemplified embodiment, are suficiently immiscible to form a dispersion which may be made, in part, when the streams are first brought together at the junction H3, or during flow along a pipe l6 receiving the combined liquids, or during flow through a weight-loaded mixing valve I! which maybe disposed in the pipe iii, if desired, and/or at the point of discharge into the tank. The valve i1 is shown as comprising a stem I8 pivoted to a lever l9 which is, in turn, pivotaliy connected to a post 20, the lever l9 carrying an adjustable weight 2| to exert a, downward force on the stem l8 tending to close the valve H. In some instances, the additional mixing provided by the valve I1 is unnecessary and this valve can be omitted or by-passed.

In some processes, it is desirable to add chemical treating agents or modifying agents to one or the other, or both, of the two streams before formation of the dispersionor even after it is formed. In this connection, Figure 1 shows pipes 22 and 23 throughwhich such, materials can be introduced into the pipe ll, eitherahead of or beyond the pump In. If such materials are to be introduced into the stream advanced by the pump l5,pipes 24 and 25 can be used, respectively, to introduce the material into the intake or disbe introduced into the dispersion, pipe 26 serve in this capacity, this pipe communicating with the pipe H5 at any desired point. In all instances, it will be a parent that the pipes 22 to 26 can be fed by suitable proportioning pumps, or the material thus added can, if desired, be batch-mixed with one or both of the liquids which are to be mixed at the junction I3, or therebeyond.

The synthesizing means thus far described is employed with one or more tanks to aid further in the processing or separation of the materials. In Figure 1, two tanks are shown, respectively indicated by the numerals 30 and 30. The stream of dispersion divides at a junction 32 and moves to the respective tanks through pipes 33 and 33'. Flow meters M and M may be disposed in these pipes to indicate the relative or absolute volumes flowing to the tanks. 1 As the tanks 30 and 30' and related equipment are identical, a specific description of the fiuid distribution system for one tank will suflilce.

The fluid distribution system for each tank is best shown in Figure ,2, which exemplifies the inaventlon with reference to discharge of a horizontal stream of the dispersion into the corresponding tank. In the illustrated embodiment, the dispersion is delivered radially outward from a discharge position coaxial with the vertical axis of the tank and at a vertical position which will be determined by the processing steps employed in the particular system. It is usually desirable that the stream be discharged into the tank in submerged position so as to be jetted outward in a liquid environment. 1

As best shown in Figures 1 and 2, the pipe 33 forms a part of a conduit means 34. In the preferred construction, a four-way pipe fitting 35 is employed as a part of this conduit means, the downward-extending leg being closed by a plug 36, andthe pipe 33, or a continuation thereof, being threaded into one of the horizontal legs. A. conduit 37 is threaded into the upward-extending leg of this fitting and provides a fluidconducting passage 38 receiving fluid from a chamber 39 of the pipe fitting 35.- A casing 40 is threaded into the remaining horizontal leg of the pipe fitting 35 and provides a passage 4| opening on the chamber 39.

The incoming dispersion flowing through the pipe 33 under the action of the proportioning pumps it and lb, or any other pressure means, moves upward in the conduit 3'! as indicated by the arrows 42. This conduit is shown as comprising a riser pipe 43, a T-fitting 44, and a stationary discharge member 45 cooperating in forming the passage 38. The uppermost end of the conduit 31 provides a discharge opening bounded by an annular wall or surface 46 extending substantially horizontally in the preferred embodiment of the invention. Positioned in the path of flow of the fluid rising in the conduit 31 is a discharge controlling member 50"; movable with respect to the stationary discharge member 45 to provide a variable-area discharge orifice 5! through which a stream 52 of the dispersion discharges radiall in a substantially horizontal direction. .The desired degree of vertical flaring of this stream, if any, is determined by the design of the fluid distribution means, and particularly the shape of the annular wall 46 and acooperating annular Wall 4? of the movable discharge controlling member 50.

The discharge controlling member 50 is preferably biased toward closed-orifice position by a charge of the pump I5. If such amaterial is to biasing means to be later described. In the premay ferred embodiment of the invention, the discharge controlling member III is movable under the action ofthe incoming stream in a direction opposite to the biasing force. In the illustrated embodiment, this is accomplished by forming the movable member 50 as a head extending across the upper end of the opening of the stationary discharge member 45. Liquid forced upward in the conduit will thus exert on the movable member an upward force tending to lift the movable member 50 against the biasing force andhtoward open-orifice position to increase the thickness of the stream 52. In the absence ofthis fiow of liquid, the movable member 50 will be resiliently V seated on the stationary discharge member I! in orifice-closing position. So long as a stream of liquid is moving upward in the fluid-conducting passage 38 of the conduit 31, this stream will exert the upward force on the movable member 50,

irrespective ,of the configuration of the lower surface thereof. However, better control of the mixing action and a better centering action can be obtained by curving this lower surface as indicated by the numeral 53 to form a point-like extension which spreads the stream toward the discharge orifice 5 I The downward resilient biasing force exerted on the movable member 50 is preferably exerted by an actuating member or tension member 55 extending longitudinally along the first conduit 81. The uppermost end of such a tension member is operatively connected to the movable discharge member 50. In the particular construction shown, the tension member 55 includes an upper member 56 extending through and secured to the movable member 58. Spiders 58 may be secured to the upper member 56 to guide the member 50 in its vertical movement and to center the upper member 56. The tension member 65 also includes a lower member Bil, the adjacent ends of the members 56 and 60 being differentially or oppositely threaded to extend into a correspondingly threaded sleeve 6! adjacent'the T-fitting 44. Removal of a Plug 62 in this T-fitting gives access to the sleeve 6! which, by being rotated in one direction or the other, serves to adjust the total length of the tension member 55. Once adjusted, a suitable locking means, such as cotter pins 63, serve to lock the assembly.

A resilient downward pull is exerted on the lower end of the tension member by a novel torsion means adjustable from a position outside the. tank 30. This torsion means preferably includes an operating member in the form of a spring rod 65 extending from the chamber 39 along the passage ii of the casing 40 to a positionoutside the tank. As will be later described, a torque is applied to that portion of .the torsion rod 65 outside the tank, thus establishing a torsion throughout the length of this rod and thus tending to turn about its axis that portion of the torsion rod within the chamber 39. The

inner end of the torsion rod 65 is operatively connected to the movable discharge controlling member 50 through the; tension member 55 by a means which translates rotary motion of the torsion rod into a substantially linear motion, which is transmitted to thelower end of the tension member 55 to exert a downward pull. The resiliency of the downward biasing force depends primarily upon the torque resiliency of I the torsion rod 65, aided in part by the longitudinal elasticity of the tension member 55.

These two sources of resiliency can be relatively varied by changing the size of the torsion rodof the tension member 55 is best shown in Figures 2 and 3. As there shown, two upper members or bolts 81 traverse the chamber 38 in a horizontally-aligned position. A similar lower member or bolt 68 traverses the-chamber at a lower position. The inner end of the torsion rod 8! extends between the upper and lower bolts, and its uppermost position is determined by engagement with the lower surfaces of the upper bolts 61, as shown. Similarly, its lowermost position is determined by engagement with the upper surface of the lower bolt 88. i

' In the preferred embodiment, a linkage is employed to interconnect the torsion rod 65 and the tension member 55. As best shown in Figure 3, this linkage may include a lever I0 welded or otherwise secured to the torsion rod 85 at a position below the tension member 55. The end of this lever extends between depending bifurcations II of an attachment member I2, through which the lower member of the tension mem ber extends, this lower member being threaded to receive a nut 13 and carrying a collar 78 above the attachment member I2 to limit the downward movement of the lower member St. A pm I! traverses the bifurcations 1i and the lever III to connect pivotally the lever to the attachment member I2. A set screw It in one or both .of the bifurcations retains the pin I5 against axial movement. Correspondingly, any tendency for the torsion rod to turn in a counterclockwise direction, as viewed in Figure 3, will exert a resilient downward pull on the tension member 55.

It will be apparent from Figures 3 and 5 that the torsion rod 65 is displaced to one side of, but substantially parallel to, the axis of the passage ll of the casing 40. It is desirable that the axis of the torsion rod lie along a straight line, thus preventing bends which might cause undue stresses in local sections of the rod when the torsion is applied. Engagement of the circular' portion of the lever III with the inside wall of the chamber 39 limits the rightward movement of the inner end of the tension member 55, as viewed in Figure 3. Leftward movement of these elements can be prevented by any suitable means, such as a plate I8, slidably engaging the sides of the attachment member 12' and its bifurcations. As best shown in Figures 2 and 3, this plate I8 is of a size to fit snugly between the bolts 61, and it carries at its lower end a spacing sleeve 19 surrounding the bolt 68 and extending to a side wall of the pipe fitting 35 to retain the plate I8 in guiding relationship with the attachment member I2.

-The casing 40 extends to a wall of the tank '30 and preferably to a position therebeyond. As shown, the main portion of this casing comprises a pipe 80 carrying a flange 8| connected to a flanged nipple 82, also forming a part of the casing 40, welded or otherwise secured to a wall the tank 80, is used to apply a torque to the outer end of the torsion rod 88 to place same under torsional strain and thereby control the downward resilient force applied to the movable discharge member 80. The details of one embodiment of the control means are best shown in Figures 2, 4, and 5. Referring thereto, the torsion rod extends through a neck 81 welded to the head 84 and carrying a. packing gland 88 which guides the torsion rod and forms a motionpermitting, fluid-tight seal or hearing therefor. That .portion of the torsion rod 88 beyond the gland 88 is iournalled in a bracket 80 detachably connected to the head 84 by a bolt 8i. Between the journalling portion of the bracket 80 and the gland 88 is positioned a lever 82 bifurcated to be clamped by a bolt 84 to the torsion rod 85.

The control means 85 includes also a means forv adjustabiy moving the lever 82 to establish an adjustable torsional force in the torsion rod. This means is shown as including a tube 88 welded or otherwise secured to the head 84 and carrying a support means 81 removably held in position by a bent pin 88. The support means 81 threadedly receives an engagement member 88, shown as comprising a wing-headed bolt engaging the lever 82. By turning the engagement member to advance through the support means 81, an increasing torque is applied to the torsion rod 85 through the lever 82.

An alternative form of control means is shown in Figures 6 and 7, in which the support means 81 comprises an adjustable block IOI carrying a conventional bolt acting as the engagement means 88 and bearing against the lever 82. The block IN is adjustably positioned with respect to an arcuateplate I02 mounted in spaced relationship with the head 88, as by short legs I03. The annular plate provides two series of holes disposed in pairs and bolts I05 extend through any selected pair of holes to retain the support means, comprising the block I 0 I in any selected position. In this embodiment, a suitable weight can be applied to the end of the lever 82 to establish a torque approximately of the desired value. Thereafter, the block IOI can be bolted in place and additional adjustments can be made by turning of the engagement member 88.

It will be apparent from the foregoing that the fluid distribution system can be adjusted from a position outside the tank and that this adjustment can be made without interfering with the operation of the equipment. The movable member 50 is urged upward toward orifice-opening position by the pumped stream. The downward resilient or biasing pressure applied to this movable member can be adjusted by turning the engagement member 88. By increasing the downwardly-acting biasing force, it is possible to control accurately the volume of fluid discharged, the velocity of the stream 82, the carry of the stream, the mixing action in the fluid istribution system at the point of discharge, the pressure drop across the discharge orifl-ce til, the relative amounts of liquid entering the tanks 80 and 80', etc. a

An important feature or the invention is that the biasing force can be removed at intervals to permit flushing of the fluid distribution system without draining the tank, after which the apparatus can be returned to the previous biasing force without difllculty. In certain processes, it is found that accumulations or scale tend to form in the fluid distribution system. These are particularly harmful adjacent the discharge orifice 5 I and it is often found that foreign bodies, such as scale, etc., may accumulate at one or more peripheral positions to avoid the peripherally-continuous, sheet-like discharge desired. When this occurs, it is desirable to relieve the biasing pressure to flush out the system. With the control means of Figures 2, 4, and 5, the bent pin 88 can be removed and the support means 81 withdrawn. the setting of the'engagement member 88 beinfl retained. This will release the torsion in the torsion rod 88. The corresponding release in biasing pressure applied to the movable member 50 may dislodge any obstruction in the fluid distribution system, though it is usually desirable to decrease or eliminate the supply of liquid and to oscillate the lever 82 to transmit a rapid vibration to the movable member 80, causing it to move upward and downward with respect to the stationary discharge member 48. It will be observed that the invention provides for a positive connection' between the torsion rod and the movable member so that this member may be raised positively from its seat. This facilitates dislodgment of scale or obstructions, particularly if the movable member is rapidly oscillated to apply percussion blows to the stationary discharge member 45.

At the same time, the invention provides a means for re-applying the same biasing force as was present before the flushing operation. In many instances, the previously-applied biasing force may have been quite critical and it is desirable to re-apply exactly the same force. This .is accomplished merely by re-inserting the support means 81 and inserting the bent pin 88, all without disturbing the setting of the engagement member 88. In reinserting the support means, the lever 82 may be depressed manually or by any suitable means. Upon release of this depressing force, the lever will return to its former position,

as determined by contact with the engagement member 88.

Similarly, the control means shown in Figures 6 and 7 provides for the same flushing action and return of the previous biasing force. In this embodiment, the block i0I, comprising the support means, can be detached by loosening the bolts I08, the setting of the engagement member 88 being not changed. This will release the lever 82 and the system can be flushed or cleaned as previously described. Thereafter, the block I III can be replaced without disturbing the setting of the engagement member 88, whereby an identical biasing force is re-applied.

If the complete apparatus shown in Figure 1 is employed for synthesizing and separating dispersions, it will be apparent that the separate streams delivered to the tanks and 30' can be individually adjusted in volume, degree of mixing action upon discharge, etc., by adjustment of the corresponding engagement member 88. For example, if it appears that the processing capacity 01 one tank is being exceeded, the operator can adjust the biasing force to reduce the flow thereto or change the mixing action at the point of discharge. In some instances, the processing steps may be largely completed before the dispersion enters the tanks, as, for example, by permitting completion of reactions or physical associations before discharge into the tanks. In this instance, the tanks may serve merely as a separating means. 0n the other hand, processing steps in addition to mere separation may be conveniently performed in the tanks or additional aids to resolution or separation may be utilized within the tanks. Numerous types of such aids are familiar to those skilled in the arts, such, for example, as the use or application of heat, pressure, agita tion, chemicals, electric fields, etc., within the tank.

Various types 01' processing steps performed in the tanks can be facilitated by agitation or circulation within the tank induced by the incoming stream. For example, in Figure 1 the discharge may be in submerged position and may desirably establish recirculation paths within the liquid in the tank. Figure 1 shows upper and lower annular members I20 and I2! mounted to extend substantially horizontally at positions respectively above and below the elevation of the discharging stream 52. Such members may be perforate or imperforate and may be held in positon by any suitable means, not shown. The stream 52 may be discharged in spaced relationship with each of these members and the injector action of the stream will draw liquid into the central openings of the annular members and establishupper and lower closed circulation paths therearound, as indicated respectively by arrows I23 and I24.

Such a system may be advantageously emplayed to prolong the time or contact between chemical materials and the constituents of the stream. It may also -be employed advantageously to discharge the incoming stream intoa body of washing liquid. If the incoming stream comprises oil, washing through a body of water is often desirable, and the upper surface oi! this If both tanks are being employed, the upper effluent from the tank 30' is preferably moved to the header I2'I ahead of the valve I28 through While the invention has been particularly exemplified with reference to the synthesizing and separation of dispersio it should be clear that the apparatus may be used in the processing of homogeneous liquids without departing from the spirit oi the invention. In this event, the pump I0 may, for example, deliver the homogeneous liquid to the system and the pump I5 may deliver anotherliquid miscible therewith. This second liquid may be of such character as to throw down precipitates which settle in the tanks, or-it may be or such nature as to partially complete its action before discharge through the orifice 5| and partially after discharge into the liquid body in the tank. If the process is one to produce precipitates, these can be separated in the tank and withdrawn, for example; through the pipe I30,- or they may remain in the main stream of liquid to discharge through the pipe I28.

Various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

I claim as my invention:

1. In a fluid distribution system, the combination of a conduit for said fluid, said conduit bein provided with a discharge opening; a movable discharge controlling member cooperating with said opening to define a fluid discharge orifice, said member being positioned to be urged toward orifice opening position byfiuidunderpressure in said conduit; and means for resiliently urging pipe I23, the lower efiluent being similarly delivered to the header I30 ahead of the valve I3I through pipe I29. Control of back pressures by throttling the eilluent flows in the headers produces advantageous results as compared with throttling the individual flows from the individual tanks. In this connection, the upper eiiluents of the two tanks are always at the same pressure, as are also the lower efliuents of these tanks, and the relative amountsof liquids delivered to the two tanks are directly'determind by the relative settings of the two control means.

On the other hand, if the interfacial level is carried below the distributor at a level indicated, -for example, by the dotted line I39, the incoming stream will be discharged into the uppenof two separated, or partially-separated, bodies and the induced recirculation, indicated by the arrows I23 and I24, may aid in the treatment. being carried out within the tank 30. For example, the recirculation may retain any material not completely processed until this processing is complete, at

said member toward orifice closing position against the pressure of said fluid, said means including a spring torsion rod, connections between one portion of said rod and said member for moving said member toward said orifice closing position upon angular movement of said portion about its axis in one direction, and means for holding another portion or said rod in adjusted angular position to twist said rod and resiliently urge said one portion of said rod in said one direction.

2. In a fluid distribution system, the combination of: a conduit for said fluid, said conduit being provided with a discharge opening; a movable discharge controlling member cooperating with said opening to define a fluid discharge orifice, said member being positioned to be urged toward orifice opening position by fluid under pressure in said conduit; and means for resiliently urging said member toward orifice closin position against the pressure of said fluid, said means including a spring torsion rod having a portion extending into said conduit, connections positioned in said conduit and extending between its axis in one direction, a casing-for said rod communicating at one of its ends with said conduit, and means positioned at the other end of said casing and exteriorly thereof for holding another portion of said rod in adjusted angular position to twist said rod and resiliently urge said one portion of said'rod in said one direction.

3. In a. fluid distribution system, the combination of: a conduit for said fluid, said conduit being provided with a discharge opening; a. movable discharge controlling member cooperating with said opening to define a fluid discharge orifice, said member being positioned to be urged toward orifice opening position by fluid under pressure in said conduit; a spring torsion-rod having a portion extending into said conduit; a crank and linkage mechanism in said conduit and connected between said portion of said rod and said member for moving said member toward orifice closing position upon angular movement of said portion aboutjits axis in onedirection; a casing surrounding said rod and communicating at one of its ends with said conduit, said rod having another portion extending from the other end of said casing, said casing having a fluid-tight bearing for said rod providing for angular movement or said other portion; and means for holding said other portion of said rod in adjusted angular position to twist said rod and resiliently urge said first mentioned portion thereof in said one direction, said means comprising an element secured to said other portion of said rod exteriorly or said casing and means for holding said element in adjusted angular position against reverse angular movement. 7

4. In a fluid distribution system, the combination of: a closed tank; a conduit for said fluid extending through a wall of said tank and having a portion positioned in the interior 01' said tank,

7 said conduit having a discharge opening within said tank; a movable discharge controlling member cooperating with said opening to define a fluid discharge orifice, said member being positioned to be urged toward orifice opening position by fluid under pressure in said conduit; a spring torsion rod having a first portion extendinginto said conduit; a casing for said rod communicat-' ing with said conduit and extending through a 12 wall of said tank, said casing h'aving a fluidtight bearing for said rod at the end of said casing remote from said conduit, said rod having another portion extending through said bearing to the exterior of said casing; connections positioned in said conduit between said first portion of said rod and said member for moving said member toward said orifice closing position upon angular movement or said first portion about its axis in one direction; and means positioned exteriorly of said casing for holding said other portion in adjusted angular position to twist said rod and resiliently urge said first portion in said one direction.

DELBER. W.

, I REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Certificate of Correction Patent No. 2,443,646. June 22, 1948.

DELBER W. TURNER It is hereby certified that error appears in the printed specification of the above numbered patent requiring correction as follows: Column 5, line 55, after the word spring insert torsion; and that the said Letters Patent should be read with this ((5)0f1g60i3l011 therein that the same may conform to the record of the case in the Patent Signed and sealed this 12th day of October, A. D. 1948 THOMAS F. MURPHY,

Assistant C'ommissioner of Patents. 

